- Definition
Contemporary art is simply art made by artists who are alive today.
A sculpture in a park made last year by an artist who is still working is contemporary art.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Contemporary art is like the music that's on the radio right now, made by artists who are still creating new songs.
Ask your child: What kinds of art do you see people making today, maybe even online?
Common mix-up: Many people think art is just old paintings in stuffy museums. Contemporary art is happening right now and can be about any idea, using any material.
Examples
- A video installation you might see in an art gallery today.
- A large mural painted on the side of a city building this year.
- A performance piece where an artist uses their body to express an idea.
contemporary art is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
